This is a guest post on how to move from one biopharma career path to another. Specifically, from a medical writing position to a medical science liaison (MSL) role from, Dr Tope Amodu.
Tope is a UK-MSL working in the pharma industry. Her career path from academia, to medical writing, to medical affairs (MedAffairs), is an interesting one for demonstrating how your career can evolve in the biopharma space. Tope’s story demonstrates that once you’ve made a career move, you’re not restricted to that one specific path. The biopharma industry is large enough to support your career choices as your professional development continues to evolve.
How to move from medical writing to medical affairs
How did you get started in the industry as a medical writer (MW)?
Entering the industry as a MW was no easy task for me. Each application often involved a series of rigorous writing tests, a procedure that tested not just my technical knowledge but also my perseverance. I sent out multiple applications, and with each test, I found that my skills sharpened through repeated practice. My determination and hard work paid off when I received several job offers. Out of all the options, I found the Random42 team to align best with my career goals and aspirations, which led me to join them. This journey instilled in me the value of resilience and the realization that continual self-improvement is pivotal in this competitive industry. Furthermore, each rejection served as a learning curve, refining my approach and preparing me for the next opportunity.
Why did you decide to move away from medical writing?
As a MW, I was in the privileged position of communicating scientific information to a diverse audience, including healthcare professionals (HCPs) and those in the pharmaceutical industry. However, despite the critical nature of my role, I often felt as though my efforts were in the background. I aspired to have a more direct influence in the realm of medical affairs. It’s important to note, though, that stepping away from a medical writing position doesn’t diminish the importance or use of writing and communication skills in biopharma. In many ways, these skills continue to be invaluable assets in my MedAffairs career. My evolution from a writer to an MSL was a pursuit of personal growth, a desire for broader horizons, and an ambition to interact more directly with the healthcare community.
How did you make the career transition from MW to medical affairs?
The transition from a MW to MSL required strategic planning and dedication on my part. To strengthen my expertise, I immersed myself in clinical papers about my therapeutic area of interest. This not only broadened my knowledge, but also sharpened my skills in critical appraisal. In addition, I sought insights from those already established as MSLs, conducting informational interviews to understand the nuances of the role better. Resources like the MSL Association and podcasts such as The MSL consultant and MSL Talk, further enriched my understanding of the profession. One key lesson I carried from my medical writing days was the importance of personalizing each application. This holistic approach, where I combined self-learning with networking and utilized available resources, gave me a comprehensive view of the MSL landscape and prepared me for the transition.
What skills from being a MW (if any) do you bring to the MSL role?
The foundational skills I developed as a MW have proved indispensable in my MSL role. Effective communication, vital in conveying complex scientific information clearly, is at the core of my daily interactions. Moreover, my expertise in critically appraising clinical research has been invaluable in analysing and discussing recent scientific advancements. Furthermore, the interpersonal skills I developed while collaborating with different teams and individuals as a MW have been crucial in building and maintaining relationships in the MedAffairs space. It’s essential to highlight that while the tasks may differ, the core skills garnered as an MW have universal applications, adding value and depth to my MSL role, enhancing my interactions, and allowing for stronger engagements.
What do you enjoy most about working as an MSL, and what are your challenges?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being an MSL is the impact I can have on patient care. By sharing up-to-date scientific knowledge with HCPs, I play a pivotal role in informing their decisions and improving patient outcomes. However, the role does come with its challenges. Establishing connections with HCPs can sometimes be tricky, as many have tight schedules, making them hesitant to allocate time for meetings. The role also involves extensive travel. While this offers the chance to engage with various medical communities, it demands adaptability and resilience. Additionally, navigating the unique dynamics of each interaction requires tact, understanding, and patience, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the MSL role.
What are your career options going forward as an MSL?
The MSL role is a stepping stone to a plethora of opportunities in MedAffairs. Career advancements can lead to positions like senior MSL, overseeing a team or region, and progressing to roles such as MSL manager. For those aspiring for leadership roles in medical strategy and planning, positions like associate medical director and medical director are viable paths. Typically, these positions are based at the head office, where professionals oversee and shape the company’s broader MedAffairs strategy. As the healthcare landscape continually evolves, MSLs find themselves in a unique position to bridge the gap between the pharmaceutical industry and HCPs, opening doors to an array of roles and responsibilities that contribute significantly to healthcare outcomes.
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